Max Cramer

Cramer was also keen on local history and was aware that the Dutch ship Batavia had been wrecked off the coast of Geraldton, on the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, on 4 June 1629.

The discovery of the Batavia was an event which saw the real commencement of Cramer's long involvement in locating and assisting in the recovery of material from some of Australia's most historic wrecks, often at his own expense.

This was a very dangerous undertaking as the wreck sits underwater at the base of a cliff, and it is only calm enough to safely enter the water on a few days each year.

Max Cramer also helped to promote research into the fate of all the Dutch seafarers stranded on the coast of Western Australia during the 17th and early 18th centuries.

[1][2] As an extension of his activities he was co-leader of an expedition to Shark Bay early in 1998 which recovered a bottle, sealed with a French coin, left by Captain Louis de Saint Aloüarn of the Gros Ventre in 1772, which had probably contained a document (since disintegrated) claiming possession of Australia for France.

Other projects initiated by Max Cramer included the erection of a rotunda, which he helped to build, at the Old Lighthouse Keepers Cottage at Bluff Point, to enhance its heritage value.

As a result of his exploits, activities, initiatives and other forms of participation in the community Max Cramer was twice made Citizen of the Year in Geraldton, in 1979 and 1999.